EQUINOX II 850 W Morgan St 4,017 SF Office Building Raleigh, NC 27603 $1,950,000 ($485.44/SF)

Discover Equinox II, a distinctive 4,017 SF, two-story office building with an attic, ideally positioned in one of downtown Raleigh’s most dynamic and fastest-growing submarkets. Located directly across from The Bend in the heart of the West End District, this property sits amid significant momentum, including 400 new apartment units currently under construction nearby.
Originally completed in 1983, this all-masonry, passive solar building is both an architectural landmark and a compelling redevelopment opportunity.
Prime Location in the West End
- Situated in one of downtown Raleigh’s most sought-after districts, Equinox II offers:
- Exceptional walkability
- Immediate access to restaurants, entertainment, and transit
- Proximity to major new residential and mixed-use developments
The property can function as an end-user office space, a cash-flowing investment, or as a high-upside redevelopment site positioned to capitalize on continued downtown growth.
Exceptional Development Upside
Zoned NX-4, Equinox II offers rare, flexible redevelopment potential in one of Raleigh’s hottest corridors:
- Up to 12 residential units by right under current zoning
- Potential for up to 20 residential units with rezoning and the addition of an extra floor
- Ideal for multifamily, mixed-use, or boutique residential redevelopment
- Prime location supports strong absorption and long-term value appreciation
This combination of zoning flexibility, density potential, and irreplaceable location makes Equinox II a standout opportunity for investors and developers alike.
A Legacy of Energy Efficiency
For over four decades, Equinox II has exemplified forward-thinking sustainable design. Compared to a typical Southeast office building, it has saved more than 9,000 MBTUs of energy, equivalent to the annual electricity usage of 240 single-family homes. Even by today’s standards, it operates at approximately 60% less energy consumption than a modern high-tech office building.
- Smart Passive Solar Design
The building incorporates integrated passive solar heating and cooling systems, providing:
- Approximately 80% of heating needs
- A 30% reduction in cooling demand
Its high-mass envelope consists of 8-inch concrete block with 4 inches of exterior rigid insulation, finished in durable cement-based stucco. This construction serves both as a resilient shell and a thermal battery. Earth berms on the north, east, and west sides, combined with strong southern exposure, further enhance energy performance.
At the heart of the building is a dramatic central atrium, functioning as the primary solar collection zone and communal space. Sloped glazing maximizes winter solar gain while limiting summer heat, and every office opens into the atrium, delivering abundant natural light and passive warmth.
Proven Energy Performance
Equinox II has remained remarkably true to its original design. Key upgrades include:
- High-efficiency electric heat pumps
- LED lighting throughout
Over the past decade, the building achieved an Energy Use Intensity (EUI) of just 20.4 kBtu/SF/year, compared to the regional average of 77.8 kBtu/SF/year—a testament to the durability of smart, passive design.
Equinox II presents a rare opportunity to acquire a proven architectural icon with exceptional redevelopment potential in the very heart of downtown Raleigh.
Contact us today to explore the possibilities.